Mysterious Martian 'Forests' Discovered

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Martian "forests" are formations created during winter when sand particles freeze together under a layer of carbon dioxide, giving the illusion of trees. The HiRISE camera captured images of these structures, which are actually streaks formed on sand dunes as carbon dioxide sublimates in spring. The process involves sand being dislodged from the dunes, creating dark streaks that resemble bristles. This phenomenon occurs in the high northern latitudes of Mars and highlights the planet's dynamic surface changes. The discussion emphasizes the beauty and complexity of Martian landscapes as revealed by advanced imaging technology.
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Arch2008 said:
Apparently, during a Martian winter, sand particles can get stuck together and frozen carbon dioxide will cover them making a sort of “forest” from these structures.

http://www.bild.de/BILD/news/2010/0...ch-sind-das-wirklich-baeume-auf-dem-mars.html

That is such a strange and beautiful picture, from the HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. It was also part of the "Where in the Universe" series at the "Universe Today" blog, which many members here might enjoy. See Where In The Universe #86.

where-in-the-universe-86-580x435.jpg


The description of that "forest" is a little different. The forest like effect is not the frozen carbon dioxide itself, but streaks in the sand dunes left when sand is dislodged as carbon dioxide accumulates and sublimates again. From WITU#86:
This image shows a region of sand dunes in the high northern latitudes on Mars. The features that look like bristles, and actually streaks on the crests of the dunes. In the winter, a layer of carbon dioxide ice covers the dunes, and in the spring as the sun warms the ice it evaporates. This is a very active process, and sand dislodged from the crests of the dunes cascades down, forming dark streaks.[/color]​

By the way, #87 has just been posted. If you like, pop on over to Where in the Universe #87 and make a guess in the comments. Don't give links or details, just a brief guess, and then the answer will be up soon; probably about 12 more hours.

Cheers -- sylas
 


Thanks!
 

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